Members And Associates Of Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Indicted And Arrested In Denver Area

Note: The Federal Court files for both the California and Colorado case against The Mongols have been published for anyone to read.  They will be available at Amazon.com soon, but can be purchased directly from the publisher today.  These files include details of the the government’s case not found in newspapers or magazines.  Click here to go to the publisher’s website now for more information about the book.

Ten members or associates of the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang were arrested today by the ATF and Metro Gang Task Force, United States Attorney Troy Eid and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Richard Chase announced today.  The arrests were based on sealed indictments returned by a federal grand jury on August 5 th and 6 th, 2008.  The arrests took place early this morning without incident.  Some of those arrested have been taken to U.S. District Court in Denver so they can make their initial appearances, where they will be advised of the charges pending against them.

See: Federal Racketeering Indictment And Arrest Of 61 Members Of So. Cal.-Based Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang

The three year investigation culminated in this morning’s take down.  Mass arrests related to the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang were also made in Los Angeles, where 79 defendants are being prosecuted, 73 of which face Racketeering Charges (RICO).  Federal search and arrest warrants were executed in 7 states: Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Florida, and Ohio.  In addition to the arrests, agents and officers executed 6 federal search warrants throughout the Denver area.  Items confiscated during the execution of the warrants include: a shotgun, a stolen .25 caliber pistol, a Colt .38 revolver, a Taurus .380 pistol, ammunition, Mongols Paraphernalia, cell phones, and a computer.

Eleven members or associates of the Mongols were charged in the main indictment with drug trafficking, federal firearm violations, wire fraud, witness tampering, and trafficking in vehicle parts with obliterated serial numbers.  Those indicted include:

• Benjamine Maestas, arrested
• Leonard Martinez, previously in custody
• Anthony Shippley, arrested
• Ruben Bravo, wanted
• John Bertolucci, arrested
• Ernest Salas, arrested
• Edward Montano, arrested
• Cary Weinman, wanted
• Adrian Sisneros, arrested
• Michael Hee, wanted
• Wayne Ordakowski, arrested

Those charged in other indictments include:

• Thomas Hernandez (felon in possession), previously in custody
• Steven Gonzales (over 100 marijuana plants), wanted
• Victor Muniz (possession with intent to distribute Meth), arrested

The Mongols are an outlaw motorcycle gang that was formed in Montebello, California in the 1970s.  There are as many as 600 members nationwide.  Many of the Mongols were allegedly recruited from some of the most violent street gangs.  The name ‘Mongols,’ which is part of the ‘patch’ that members wear on their motorcycle jackets, was trademarked by the gang.  The Los Angeles indictment alleges that this trademark is subject to forfeiture.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California today obtained a court order that immediately prevents gang members from using or displaying the name ‘Mongols.’

If convicted, the defendants charged in the main indictment face not less than 5 years, and up to 40 years in federal prison, as well as a $2,000,000 fine.  Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and not more than a $250,000 fine.  Gonzales and Muniz both face not less than 5 years, and up to 40 years in federal prison, as well as a $2,000,000 fine.

The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.